If you or someone in your family owns an aboveground pool, especially one you’ve had for a while, it’s time to stop and double-check. More than 5.2 million pools sold across the U.S. and Canada are being recalled. Why? Nine children have died, and it’s tied directly to a specific design flaw.
What’s wrong with these pools?
The recalled pools were made by Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup. They’ve been sold at big stores like Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, and Amazon since as early as 2002.
Here’s the issue:
- The pools have compression straps around the outside.
- These straps can act like a ladder for little kids.
- That means children as young as 2 can climb in without supervision.
It’s heartbreaking, but nine children, ages 22 months to 3 years, drowned between 2007 and 2022 after getting into these pools by themselves.
What you should do right now
If you have one of these pools—or even think you might—please don’t wait.
- Check the brand and model name. Look for labels on the pool or packaging.
- If it’s made by Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup and is 48 inches or taller, it might be included in the recall.
- Contact the manufacturer immediately to request a free repair kit. This kit replaces the unsafe strap with a safer rope.
- Until then, either drain the pool or make sure kids cannot access it alone under any circumstances.
Where were these pools sold?
Chances are, if you bought a pool from any major retailer in the last 20 years, it could be one of the recalled ones. Here’s where they were sold:
- Walmart
- Target
- Lowe’s
- Costco
- Amazon (and other online stores)
Roughly 5 million were sold in the U.S., and 266,000 in Canada.
Fast facts you should know
- Recall covers pools from 2002 to 2025
- Pools are 48 inches or taller
- 9 children drowned in the U.S. due to strap-related access
- No deaths reported in Canada
- Free repair kits are available from manufacturers
- Do not use the pool until it is fixed or completely supervised
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Final thoughts
You might’ve had your pool for years and never thought twice about that outer strap. But if there’s even a small chance a child could climb in, it’s a danger that’s just not worth it.
Please take a few minutes to check your pool’s brand and model—and spread the word. It might save a life.
